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MNO (Mobile Network Operator) is a telecoms organization that provides wireless communication services to end-users. Also referred to as a cellular company, mobile network carrier, mobile network service provider or wireless service provider, it delivers voice and data services to mobile subscribers.

The Significance of MNO

In recent years, the mobile industry has become increasingly important in our daily lives, especially with the outbreak of COVID-19. Between 2019 and 2024, the estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for new revenue opportunities in the MNO in telecom sector will be 33%. With many people now working remotely, we have come to rely heavily on mobile networks for connectivity. MNOs provide the infrastructure and technology that allows us to make calls, send texts and use data services on our mobile devices. They play a vital role in keeping us connected, be it for work, personal communication or entertainment purposes.

How MNOs Work

A mobile network operator owns or controls elements essential to delivering telecommunication services to subscribers. MNOs usually own or control access to a radio spectrum allocation from a regulatory entity. They also own or control all the elements necessary to deliver services to end-users over the licensed spectrum, such as network infrastructure including base stations and software, provisioning computer systems, and marketing & repair organizations. 

A mobile network service provider typically offers voice and data services directly to their subscribers. In addition, they can also sell or lease access to network services to mobile virtual network operators (MVNO). Thus, mobile service providers play a key role in defining the overall experience of using a mobile device on a particular network. As the demand for mobile data services continues to grow, MNO in telecom providers are under pressure to invest in upgrading their networks to keep pace with customer needs. 

Top 10 MNOs Around the World

Here are the top MNO Telcos (Mobile Network Operators) in the different regions of the world:

USA

• Verizon
• AT&T 

UK

• Vodafone 

EMEA

• Orange 
• Deutsche Telekom 
• Telefonica 
• MTN 

LATAM

• América Móvil 

APAC

• Airtel
• China Mobile 

Kaleyra’s connections with hundreds of mobile network operators (MNO) around the world enable us to ensure that our customers’ traffic always takes the fastest and most cost-effective route. With Kaleyra’s robust communication APIs, businesses can leverage A2P messaging and send promotional and transactional SMS for a conversational messaging experience. Moreover, we offer enterprise-grade security to customers in highly-regulated sectors, thanks to our robust infrastructure.